The comparison of the effects of ketamine and etomidate on cardiodynamics, biochemical and oxidative stress parameters in Wistar male rats.

It is well known the use of ketamine and etomidate in clinical practice; however, the difference in the systemic effects of these two anesthetic agents is still debatable. Thus, in the present study we aimed to compare their effects on heart, and other organs through estimation of cardiodynamics, biochemical and hematological parameters. Male Wistar rats were divided in 2 groups containing of 2 subgroups (n = 7 in each subgroup, n = 28 in total): (1) bolus injection of anesthetic ketamine (40 mg/kg b.w., i.p. n = 14); (2) bolus injection of anesthetic etomidate (20 mg/kg b.w., i.p. n = 14). The experiments were done in vitro in one subgroup of each group: cardiodynamic variables (dp/dtmax, dp/dtmin, heart rate), coronary flow, oxidative stress in coronary effluent and cardiac tissue homogenate, and in vivo in another subgroup: biochemical and hematological parameters, and oxidative stress in haemolysate. Significantly increased left ventricular contractility (dp/dtmax) and relaxation (dp/dtmin) were noticed in etomidate group. Creatinine (CREA), HDL cholesterol and folate were significantly higher in etomidate group, whereas amylase (AMY) and eosinophils in ketamine group. Our results suggested that ketamine has more antioxidant potential compared to etomidate, and etomidate has more favorable effects regarding cardiac performance.

The effects of gasotransmitters inhibition on biochemical and haematological parameters and oxidative stress in propofol-anaesthetized Wistar male rats.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of propofol through evaluating its interaction with nitric oxide (NO), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and carbon monoxide (CO). Wistar male rats were divided in 4 groups: (1) bolus injection of propofol (1% 10 mg/mL, 100 mg/kg bw, i.p.); (2) Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME; NO synthase inhibitor, 60 mg/kg bw, i.p.) + bolus injection of propofol (1% 10 mg/mL, 100 mg/kg bw, i.p.); (3) DL-propargylglycine (DL-PAG; H2S synthase inhibitor, 50 mg/kg bw, i.p.) + bolus injection of propofol (1% 10 mg/mL, 100 mg/kg bw, i.p.); (4) zinc protoporphyrin IX (ZnPPIX; CO synthase inhibitor, 50 µmol/kg bw, i.p.) + bolus injection of propofol (1% 10 mg/mL, 100 mg/kg bw, i.p.). Increased levels of albumins, low-density lipoproteins, alkaline phosphatase, amylase, high-sensitivity Troponin T, and fibrinogen were found in L-NAME + propofol group. Platelet crit, platelet count, total cholesterol, and high-density lipoproteins were elevated in ZnPPIX + propofol group. Hydrogen peroxide was increased in all groups treated with gasotransmitters inhibitors. Reduced glutathione was reduced in all groups, superoxide dismutase activity only in L-NAME + propofol. The effect of propofol on various biochemical, haematological, and oxidative stress markers may be at least in part mediated through interaction with 3 estimated gasotransmitters.

Inhibition of gasotransmitters production and calcium influx affect cardiodynamic variables and cardiac oxidative stress in propofol-anesthetized male Wistar rats 1.

It has been assumed that the cardioprotective effects of propofol are due to its non-anesthetic pleiotropic cardiac and vasodilator effects, in which gasotransmitters (NO, H2S, and CO) as well as calcium influx could be involved. The study on isolated rat heart was performed using 4 experimental groups (n = 7 in each): (1) bolus injection of propofol (100 mg/kg body mass, i.p.); (2) L-NAME (NO synthase inhibitor, 60 mg/kg body mass, i.p.) + propofol; (3) DL-PAG (H2S synthase inhibitor, 50 mg/kg body mass, i.p.) + propofol; (4) ZnPPIX (CO synthase inhibitor, 50 µmol/kg body mass, i.p.) + propofol. Before and after the verapamil (3 µmol/L) administration, cardiodynamic parameters were recorded (dp/dtmax, dp/dtmin, systolic left ventricular pressure, diastolic left ventricular pressure, heart rate, coronary flow), as well as coronary and cardiac oxidative stress parameters. The results showed significant increases of diastolic left ventricular pressure following NO and CO inhibition, but also increases of coronary flow following H2S and CO inhibition. Following verapamil administration, significant decreases of dp/dtmax were noted after NO and CO inhibition, then increase of diastolic left ventricular pressure following CO inhibition, and increase of coronary flow following NO, H2S, or CO inhibition. Oxidative stress markers were increased but catalase activity was significantly decreased in cardiac tissue. Gasotransmitters and calcium influx are involved in pleiotropic cardiovascular effects of propofol in male Wistar rats.

Evaluation of the self-assessment knowledge regarding cardiopulmonary resuscitation in medical students at the University of Belgrade.

OBJECTIVE: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a vital skill that can improve the outcome of patients with sudden cardiac arrest. To raise awareness about CPR some countries have introduced an obligatory First Aid Course (FAC), usually done parallelly to a driver's license (DL). While expected of doctors to know CPR, the curriculum of some medical schools does not seem to have enforced measures to improve that knowledge. The aim was to have students self-evaluate their current knowledge of CPR, comparing it before university and whether it improved during their studies. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in October 2020 using an anonymous questionnaire among students at the Faculty of Medicine in Belgrade (studies in English). RESULTS: A total of 172 (66.7%) students possessed a DL, of which 39.8% felt they were ready, 45.8% felt neutral, and 14.4% felt unable to perform CPR. The total number of students that completed a FAC during their studies was 165. Analysis was performed on the ability assessment data after the first FAC during studies, comparing it to FAC for DL and assessments at the end of studies. No statistically significant difference was observed in the level of self-reported ability to perform CPR, while a statistically significant difference was found in ability assessments when comparing only the FAC for the DL, and the one after the first FAC during medical studies, with students feeling more prepared after the FAC for DL. Across the sample, 90.2% of the students wished they had more CPR training during their medical studies. CONCLUSIONS: From this study, it may conclude that students wish and need more CPR training in their curriculum.

[Occurrence of carcinoma in solitary thyroid nodules]. / Ucestalost javljanja karcinoma u solitarnim nodusima stitaste zlezde.

Find of malignancies in solitary thyroid gland nodes represent an entity in itself in thyroid surgery and endocrinology because of frequency in occurrence and differential diagnosis of thyroid diseases. Similarities in clinical characteristics and differences in the histological structure and development of the disease, request quick and adequate application of all available diagnostic procedures in evaluation of disease. After all clinic methods of examination, surgery includes necessary range of extraction of tissue at benign changes while at malignant changes radical intervention on the gland is suggested and if it is necessary on the surrounding structures of the neck. "Biopsio ex tempore" still represents vital method in histological diagnosis and help in making decision about radically of operative procedure. Because of that, surgery represents at last diagnostic and therapy procedure. Data analysis shows the presence of carcinoma in solitary thyroid gland nodes in 15% of all cases.

[Advantages of laparoscopically-assisted vaginal hysterectomy in comparison with the traditional approach]. / Prednosti laparoskopski asistirane nad tradicionalnim postupkom histerektomije kroz vaginu.

The authors are discussing the advantages of the laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy over the traditional vaginal method, comparing two groups of patients operated in both techniques. In 30 patients from the first group the traditional vaginal hysterectomy have been performed as part of the operation needed in order to change their sex. 20 patients from the second group have been operated, due to different indications, by laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy. Comparing the indications, the operation itself and the results in postoperative treatment the authors concluded that, for the laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy the indications are more numerous, practically there are no contraindications, the operation itself is easier, because all abdominal organs are visible on the screen. As for the results after the operation, they are almost identical in both groups. The only advantage of the traditional method is that, sometimes, the operation itself does not last long. The greatest benefit of laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy is the potential to convert what would have been an abdominal hysterectomy into a vaginal hysterectomy. The authors unanimously concluded that only experienced surgeons can perform both operations.

[An ultrasonic scalpel for laparoscopic gynecologic surgery]. / Ultrazvucni skalpel u ginekoloskoj laparoskopskoj hirurgiji.

In order to obtain good results in laparoscopic surgery the surgeon should be well trained and experienced and the equipment perfect. The recent innovation in laparoscopic surgery is the ultrasonically activated scalpel. Scissors make the working part of scalpel with one hand vibrating 55,000 Hz in a second. The effect reflects in braking hydrogen links and denaturation of proteins in instant haemostasis and coagulation in blood vessels, and there is no need of tying them up. Practically, there is no damaging of the surrounding tissues. The technique is easy to use. When performing laparoscopic vaginal hysterectomy and adnexectomy the ligamentum infundibulopelvicum and ligamentum rotundum are cut, and there the blood vessels are not thicker than 3 millimeters. As these ligaments are easy to reach with ultrasonically activated scalpel, we can say that this instrument is the ideal option for laparoscopic vaginal hysterectomy.